Kerala’s 30-plus national parks, sanctuaries and reserves teem with rare, endangered and endemic wildlife species. Grab your binoculars and get ready to go

These wildlife reserves will convince you that God’s Own Country is nothing short of Eden.

Eravikulam National Park, IdukkiKerala’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Eravikulam is located close to Munnar’s picturesque tea estates. Anamudi, the highest peak in southern India at 2,695m, lies in the park and its slopes are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The world’s largest population of the endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri tahr, is found here as well. You are also likely to spot Nilgiri langurs, leopards, tigers and Indian bisons as well as varieties of blooming wild balsams and orchids. Make the effort to get to Lakkom Waterfalls on the Eravikulam River—it is a great spot for a photo op. Insider tip: Plan your trip around the blooming of neelakurinji, an endemic plant that flowers once every 12 years and covers the hills in an ethereal blue carpet. The next flowering season is predicted between July and November 2018 and will prove to be worth the trek. Also visit the popular Keezharkuthu or Rainbow waterfalls, which cascades from a height of 1,500m, to go trekking and rock climbing. Plan: From Kochi airport, the park is about 150km. Tickets to the park and ecotourism programmes can be booked online (Website). Best time to visit is from April to June and September to November. Stay: Lakkom Log House (Website; from Rs3,000) or The Tall Trees Resort Munnar (Website; from Rs6,500)

Silent Valley National Park, PalakkadSince it is surrounded by high ridges and steep escarpments, the park maintains the same micro-climate and the ecosystem of a tropical rainforest year-round. This park—part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve—is a botanist’s paradise with more than 1,000 species of flowering plants and over 100 species each of orchids and ferns. There are also 200 types of birds, including the Nilgiri wood pigeon and Nilgiri pipit. Look out for tigers, leopards, elephants, jungle cats, wild dogs, sloth bears, bronze frogs and, if you’re lucky, the King Cobra. Insider tip: Be patient and you may spot the highly endangered, lion-tailed macaque in its natural habitat. Visit the Kuntipuza River, 30km away—along it lies a popular trekking route. End your day with a dip in the river, whose waters are perennially shallow and crystal clear. Plan: From Kochi, the park is about 170km away. Book a trek or a package with the forest department (Website; 04924 253 225). Best time to visit is from December to April. Stay: The Inspection Bungalow at Mukkali (Website; from Rs. 600) or the nearby Treetop Resort (Website; from Rs7,000) or Anaikatti – By the Siruvani (Website; from Rs3,000)

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady

Photo: Sandesh Kadur|Felis Images

Spread over the hills of Cardamom and Pandalam, the park’s evergreen tropical and deciduous forests are the point of origin of two prominent rivers, Pamna and Periyar. The park came into existence when the then-Maharaja of Travancore converted the forests around Periyar into a private game reserve in 1934 to keep poachers at bay. It was declared a national park in 1982. Since then, two conservation initiatives have been conducted here—Project Tiger and Project Elephant— to increase their populations. Wildlife abounds in the park and some rare birds like the rare black baza, Nilgiri thrush and little spiderhunter are found here. Other than a jeep safari, you can also take short elephant rides through the jungle, boat cruises on the Periyar River or go for a full-day bamboo rafting excursion. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for Jungle Scout. It is an after-dark walking tour inside the park. Over the three hours that it takes to walk along the Periyar River (and return), follow the footsteps and advice of a guide and a ranger—with a weapon, in case of an emergency—and you will very likely spot several nilgais and elephants. Insider tip: Visit the famous plantation town of Peermede close by to enjoy picturesque views of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations. You can also go trekking, cycling, horse riding, or simply go sightseeing to the royal summer palace-turned-government guest house. Opt for rowing expeditions in the Gavi reservoir or escape to the idyllic hill station of Vagamon. Plan: From Kochi airport, the park is 200km away. You can book safaris and other activities online (Website) or over the counter. Best time to visit is from September to May or the dry months of March and April. Stay: Hills and Hues Resort Thekkady (Website; from Rs10,000), The Elephant Court–Thekkady (Website; from Rs9,000) or state-run properties such as Bamboo Grove, Jungle Inn (Website; from Rs2,000)

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, PalakkadNestled between Anamalai and Nelliampathy hills, this protected region is home not only to a variety of flora and fauna but also an indigenous tribal population. The locals live in the reserve and work as trekking and safari guides, and set an excellent example of living off the land—fishing and cultivating in this fragile ecosystem—without harming the balance. This tiger reserve, established in 2010, also includes the erstwhile Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, which was originally created in 1973. It is home to a rising population of tigers—between 32 and 36 at last count—and supports more than 1,000 species of insects and 125 varieties of butterflies. The forest is also known for being the first scientifically managed teak plantation in the world. In fact, you can visit the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree here. The Kannimara Teak stands 39.98m tall with a girth of 6.4m and is said to be over 350-years-old. The tribals believe it to be the home of heavenly bodies and offer prayers here on auspicious days. If you need more reasons to visit, consider the activities you can choose to do here—a safari-trekking-rafting package, a guided trek to Thuvaiar Waterfall or an overnight nature camp. Insider tip: The nearby Palakkad and Tipu Sultan forts offer a peek into the past of the district, while the Malampuzha Garden and Dam, about 8km away, are perfect for a family picnic. Plan: From Kochi airport, the park is almost 155km away. Sign up for day trips or night camps online (Website). Best time to visit is October to March. Stay: Choose from tree houses and jungle camps provided by the forest department (Website; from Rs3,000) or Tiger Hills Resort (Website; from Rs4,000)

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad

Photo: Sandesh Kadur|Felis Images

The state’s second largest wildlife sanctuary, Muthanga, also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, connects Bandipore and Nagarhole in Karnataka to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, making it a popular destination for visitors from all three states. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is one of few places, where you can spot two threatened species of vultures— the white-rumped and the red-headed. Aside from regular jeep safaris, the forest department (04936 271 010) plans elephant safaris and excursions such as birdwatching, visits to the medicinal garden, stays at the watchtower as well as trekking excursions. Insider tip: After blossom showers—the first rain of the year—that falls from February to April, pristine white coffee blooms cover the plantations around the sanctuary. Tea enthusiasts can also participate in tea harvesting at nearby estates, which takes place almost every week year-round. Visit Chethalayam Waterfalls, less than 20km away, for rock climbing and water rappelling, or Kanthapara Waterfalls, about 32km in the other direction, to enjoy a quiet picnic for two. Plan: From Kozhikode airport, the park is a 110km drive across lush mountains and seasonal waterfalls. Avoid visiting during the monsoon. Stay: Pepper Trail (Website; from Rs9,250) or Emarald Western Ghats Resort (Website; from Rs6,000)

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, ThiruvananthapuramDespite being a fairly small sanctuary—spread over just 53sq km—in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Peppara surprises the most hardcore wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists with a variety of flora and fauna. It is great for spotting elephants, leopards, bisons, wild dogs, Malabar grey hornbills, lion-tailed macaques, sloth bears and even the elusive Nilgiri tahr. Peppara’s thick forests, crystal clear streams, Bonafalls and Kalarkad waterfalls, and rocky terrain are ideal for thrill seekers. The state has announced development of leisure and entertainment activities, which will definitely make this sanctuary more popular. Insider tip: Go on a nature walk or trekking in Ponmudi, a hill station close by. Plan: From Thiruvananthapuram airport, the sanctuary is a 60km drive. The park is open year-round. Best time to visit is from January to March. Stay: Duke’s Forest Lodge (Website; from Rs5,500) or Vivanta by Taj – Trivandrum (Website; from Rs6,500)

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur

With 192 avian species, this is considered one of the most important sanctuaries for birdwatchers. Its dense tropical forest shelters rare birds such as the grey-headed bulbul, Indian rufous babbler, white-bellied flycatcher, and many others. In fact, much to the surprise of experts, the lesser fish eagle—believed to be an inhabitant of the Himalayas—was found here. It is also home to tigers, elephants, sloth bears and endangered species like the Malabar giant squirrel, slender loris and lion-tailed macaque. To go trekking, boating or bamboo rafting here, seek permission from the sanctuary beforehand. Insider tip: Don’t miss the Moonlight Sonata, a rafting experience organised on full moon nights. A 1.5-hour drive southwards takes you to Athirapally falls—also known as the Bahubali falls for the blockbuster that was shot here. It’s also been seen in movies like Raavan, Dil Se, Guru, and many more. Plan: From Kochi airport, the sanctuary is 63km away. Best time to visit is from October to March. Stay: The Inspection Bungalow near Chimmony Dam (0487 26990177; from Rs600) or Rainforest Athirapally (Website; from Rs17,000)

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, IdukkiUnlike most sanctuaries in the state, Chinnar receives only two months of rain. Its thorny scrub forest is home to the endangered grizzled giant squirrel, whose numbers are believed to have dwindled to less than 200 in number. Chinnar’s unique ecosystem—comprising both, dry deciduous and wet grassland—is also home to 101 species of spiders, over 150 varieties of butterflies, the vulnerable Nilgiri tahr and rusty-spotter jungle cats. This sanctuary is ideal for watching herds of gaurs and elephants. In fact, as you travel from Karimuthi to Chinnar, you can easily spot elephants, spotted deer, sambar, Hanuman langur and peacocks on either side of the road. Insider tip: Even if you’re not a history buff, the prehistoric Muniyara Caves—believed to have been around for five millennia—are a must-visit and worth the two-hour drive. Travel to the Marayoor Sandal Reserve, an extensive sandalwood forest just 12km from the sanctuary, or the further out Amaravathi Crocodile Farm. Plan: From Kochi airport, the sanctuary is at a distance of about 155km. The park is open throughout the year. Best time to visit is in the winter, from November to January. Stay: Karakkad Tree House (Website; from Rs3,000) or the nearby Davis Farm House (090474 00005; from Rs8,000)

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, MalappuramSpread over a cluster of islands around the delta of Kadalundi River, just 19km from Kozhikode, this sanctuary is a haven for ornithologists. In just two square kilometres, you can find over 100 native species, including brahminy kites and whimbrels. It also attracts more than 60 migratory birds such as herons, sandpipers, cormorants, seagulls, turnstones, green and red shanks and more. Spot crocodiles in the deep end of the river, and otters and jackals in the shelter of the mangrove vegetation along the shore. Trek up the hillock nearby, just 200m above sea level, for a view of the river meeting the sea. Insider tip: Catch a glimpse of migratory birds that flock to the islands of this sanctuary—the VIP season is from February to March. For a change of scene, drive down to Beypore Lighthouse, just 15 minutes away, and witness a dramatic sunset over the Arabian Sea. Plan: From Kozhikode airport, the bird sanctuary is at a distance of 20km. Best time to visit is from November to April. Stay: NC Gardens & Beach Resorts (Website; from Rs3500) or The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut (Website; from Rs6,000)

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, KollamPart of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, this sanctuary is home to the highly endangered species of the lion-tailed macaque and the nocturnal great eared nightjar, among other mammals common in Kerala’s forests. The sanctuary promotes ecotourism and has appointed locals as guides and trek leaders to engage them in protecting the forest from degeneration. These locals can take you for jeep safaris, jungle camping, as well as many soft and hard treks, including the guided myristica walk, reservoir walk and the lion-tailed macaque trail. Insider tip: Sign up for the Dawn N Dusk Surfing session that includes boat rides deep inside the forest to encounter wildlife up close and personal. Ask your guide to point out the recently discovered, prehistoric rock carvings that are believed to be from the Mesolithic Age. Plan: From Thiruvananthapuram airport, the sanctuary is 100km away. Book trekking and safaris online (Website). Best time to visit is from November to April. Stay: Saaral Resort (04633 283 601; from Rs3,000) or stay at one of the five jungle and nature camps spread across the forest, run and managed by the sanctuary (Website; from Rs7,500)